Dual premiership coach Mark Thompson has left the door open for a return to senior coaching, telling the Herald Sun that he feels “lost at the moment” without a full-time football job.
Thompson, a two-time Geelong premiership coach, was the man who coached Essendon in 2014 while James Hird was banned for his role in the club’s 2012 injection program, before having a fallout with Bombers and AFL officials and leaving the club.
While admitting the Brisbane Lions coaching job, currently held by Justin Leppitsch, was “not on his radar”, Thompson said his coaching thirst had returned after spending the past two seasons in part-time media roles and putting together an autobiography.
“I haven’t had a job outside of football that gives you that real pleasure and fulfilment, knowing that you’re taking kids off parents and turning them into footballers and better people and giving them a good start,” he told the Herald Sun.
Thompson added: “I’m lost at the moment because football was a big part and a big part is gone and to fulfil it, well, they’re big shoes.
“As for coaching … I’m not going to go back in easy, no way known, because I’ve seen the other side of it.
“It’s got to be right. If you’re in an environment where you can’t get what you want, then you’re going to suffer pain.”
Thompson will address his future movements again on Fox Footy on Wednesday day night in his weekly “Bomber Diaries” segment on AFL 360.
